Listen Up: SXSW Bands to Watch

Receive the latest nonstop-sound updates in your inbox

It’s that time of year where the music industry, college students and super-fans pack their bags for the mass migration to Austin, Texas for the four-day South by Southwest Music Conference. If you are not one of the lucky heading on this annual pilgrimage – fear not – most of the artists playing the festival stop through New York to maximize their time on the road in the United States. Here is a short list of some act you should keep your eye on – enjoy.

Mac Miller – By far the biggest name on this list, but I needed to make sure this MC is on your radar. The young Pittsburgh native will be a hip hop household name in no time. He hits Highline Ballroom on Thursday, but if you don’t already have a ticket for the sold out show you’ll have to wait for this summer’s Governors Ball.

Brother – As one of the most hyped bands coming out of the U.K., this quartet is poised to break big on both sides of the pond in 2011 with their classic brit-rock sound and youthful attitude. They hit Mercury Lounge (3/23), The Rock Shop (3/24) and Maxwell’s (3/25).

Poluck – This band of Spanish long-hairs take a lot of their sound from their French brethren Phoenix, but a fresh face to the bouncy pop formula. See them at Pianos (3/22) and The Rock Shop (3/23).

Admiral Fallow – This one may not be a surprise to the folks who seek out bands like fellow Scottish band Frightened Rabbit or the U.K.’s Mumford and Sons, but if you haven’t heard them yet, get ready because they are going to have a massive year. They will play only one New York show at Mercury Lounge (3/20).